Assembly and method of coupling pipes

ABSTRACT

A jig assembly and method of use are provided for positioning and re-rounding pipes for welding. The jig assembly comprises a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly which position and move a coupling onto one pipe then the second pipe for subsequent welding.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC.

None.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

None.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Present embodiments relate to jig assemblies for coupling of piping.More specifically, the present embodiments relate, but are not limitedto, jig assemblies for coupling of thermal plastic piping and methods ofpositioning a coupling using the jig assemblies.

2. Description of the Related Art

Thermal plastic piping is utilized in a wide array of manufacturing andutility fields. In joining segments of piping, for example in newconstruction or repair of existing pipes, jig assemblies are utilized tohold piping segments together in order for a welding process or step tooccur. Thermal plastic piping may include, but is not limited to, highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE),acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene(PE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), for example.

One problem with the state of the art jig assemblies is related to sizeof the equipment. Many jigs are utilized which are enormous in size dueto the size of the piping involved, for example in water or sewageservice lines. When a break occurs in a service line, the area ofsubstrate covering at the break is dug up and the jig assembly must bebrought in to retain the pipes in position for a welding process.However, the size of the jig equipment requires that the hole be muchlarger in size than merely the area immediately surrounding the break.The jig equipment cannot typically fit into a hole and therefore, thecover substrate must be removed so that portions of the broken pipe maybe brought to the surface and fitted into the jig assembly.

Another problem with attempts to either join or repair thermal plasticpiping is that following initial manufacture and/or use over a period oftime, large diameter pipes begin to sag and change shape from round tooblong. This is due to the inability of the material to support theweight of large sized piping. Additionally, soil loads on buried pipingmay cause this to occur. When coupling sections of pipe together, theoblong shape of the pipe makes welding sections together difficult, forexample when welding a new piece of piping to an older piece or whenwelding pieces that have been stored for some period of time. The oblongshape must be corrected in order to render a pipe a round shape whichmay be aligned with and welded to another section of piping.

Additionally, one type of pertinent welding involves fusion weldingwhere a small coupling joint material is placed at a joint between twopieces of piping. In large diameter piping, known methods of insertingthe coupling on to a first pipe involves a hammer and piece of woodbeing used to beat the coupling over the end of at least one of thepieces of pipe. This difficulty is in addition to the difficultyassociated with oblong shaping of piping and another reason that thepiping sections must be positioned into a round shape to allow use witha coupling section. Further, this method provides opportunity for aninjury in the field and/or damage to the coupling being forced on to thepiping.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to overcome these and other knowndeficiencies to provide a jig assembly which may be positioned within ahole in the earth for new construction or repair and improves the methodof positioning pipe assemblies during welding, for example.

SUMMARY

A jig assembly is provided and a method of use thereof which allows forjoining of sections of pipe. The jig assembly includes a first jawassembly and a second jaw assembly which are both hydraulically openableand closable to grasp, release and re-round the piping. Additionally,the jaw assemblies are joined by actuators to move the jaw assembliescloser or farther from one another allowing movement of the pipes,coupling or both.

According to some embodiments, a method of coupling pipes for a fusionweld comprises connecting a first re-rounder to a first pipe, connectingat least one linear actuator to the first re-rounder, the linearactuator being movable in a first direction which is transverse to thefirst re-rounder, connecting a second end of the at least one linearactuator to a backstop, the backstop being movable with the at least onelinear actuator, a first moving of a coupling on to the first pipe withthe backstop and the at least one linear actuator, connecting a secondre-rounder to a second pipe, reversing orientation of the at least onelinear actuator to connect to the second re-rounder, a second moving ofthe coupling into engagement with the second pipe to join said first andsecond pipes, and, fusion welding the coupling to the first and secondpipes.

Optionally, the first moving may be a pull or a push. The second movingmay be a moving of the first pipe and the coupling. The second movingmay be moving of the first pipe. The second moving may be moving of thecoupling. The method may further comprise connecting of electrodes tothe coupling for the fusion welding.

According to some embodiments, a method of joining piping comprisesconnecting a first jaw assembly to a first pipe segment, connecting asecond jaw assembly to a second pipe segment, clamping the first andsecond jaw assemblies to round the first and second pipe segments,respectively, connecting the first and second jaw assemblies with atleast one linear actuator, actuating the linear actuator to move thefirst and second pipe segments closer together, and, connecting thesegments by abutting the pipe segments.

Optionally, the pipe segments being joined with a coupling. One of thefirst and second jaw assemblies may move the coupling by actuation ofthe at least one linear actuator. The coupling may be positioned overadjacent ends of the first and second pipe segments. The coupling may befusion welded. Alternatively, the method may comprise engaging pipesegment engagement structures of the first and second pipe segments toconnect the piping segments. The actuating may include movement of theat least one linear actuator a first move. The method may furthercomprise changing orientation of the at least one linear actuator. Themethod may further comprising moving the at least one linear actuator ina second direction.

According to still a further embodiment, a method of joining piping witha jig assembly, comprises applying a first jaw assembly to a first pipesegment, applying a second jaw assembly to a second pipe segment,connecting a first end of a linear actuator to one of the first jawassembly and the second jaw assembly, connecting a second end of thelinear actuator to the other of the first jaw assembly and the secondjaw assembly, actuating the linear actuator to move one of the pipesegments and a coupling, reversing the orientation of the linearactuator, and, positioning the coupling over adjacent ends of the firstand second pipe segments. The positioning may include movement of thecoupling. Alternatively, the positioning may include moving one of thepipe segments into the coupling. As a further alternative, thepositioning may include movement of at least one of the first and secondpipe segments.

According to some embodiments, a jig assembly for connecting pipes by afusion weld comprises a first re-rounder having a jaw actuator to openand close the first re-rounder, a second re-rounder spaced from thefirst re-rounder, the second re-rounder having a second jaw actuator toopen and close the second re-rounder, a first linear actuator extendingbetween the first re-rounder and the second re-rounder to vary spacingbetween the first re-rounder and the second re-rounder, at least onepump for actuating the first and second jaw actuators and the linearactuator, and, a backstop connectable to the first linear actuator.

Optionally, the first re-rounder and the second re-rounder may each havea first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and said second jaw beingpivotally connected at a hinge. The jaw actuators may be disposedopposite the hinges. The jaw actuators move in a tangential direction ofthe re-rounders. The re-rounders may have eyelets disposed on acircumference of the first jaw actuator. The eyelets may be in a planeextending in an axial direction of the re-rounders. The jig may furthercomprising a second jaw actuator. The second jaw actuator may bedisposed opposite the first actuator. The first and second re-roundersonly being connected by the first linear actuator. The at least one pumpmay be one of a hand pump or an automated pump.

According to another embodiment, a jig assembly for joining pipes maycomprise a first jaw assembly having pivotally connected arms, a secondjaw assembly having pivotally connected arms, each jaw assembly having ajaw actuator near adjacent ends of the arms to pivotally open and closethe first and second jaw assemblies, a first linear actuator connectedto the first and second jaw assemblies and a second linear actuatorconnected to the first and second jaw assemblies, the first and secondlinear actuators movable to position the jaw assemblies closer to oneanother.

Optionally, the first and second jaw assemblies may have an eyelet forconnection of the linear actuator. The first and second jaw assembliesmay have opposed linkages for connection of the jaw actuators. Thelinear actuators may be in flow communication with a hydraulic pump. Thejaw actuators may be in flow communication with a hydraulic pump. Thehydraulic circuit may include an automated pump or a manual pump. Theactuators may be fluid powered and/or may be manually operable.

According to a further embodiment, a jig assembly comprises a first jawassembly which is generally circular in shape and pivotally openable andcloseable, a second jaw assembly which is generally circular in shapeand pivotally openable and closeable, each of the first and second jawassemblies including a first pair of segments pivotally connected to asecond pair of segments, the first and second jaw assemblies each havinga jaw actuator to cause opening and closing thereof, a linear actuatorconnected to the first jaw assembly at a first end and to the second jawassembly at a second end, the linear actuator capable of moving thefirst and second jaw assemblies closer or farther from one another. Thejig assembly may further comprise at least one fluid pump which may be ahand pump or automated.

All of the above outlined features are to be understood as exemplaryonly and many more features and objectives of the jig assemblies andmethod of use may be gleaned from the disclosure herein. Therefore, nolimiting interpretation of this summary is to be understood withoutfurther reading of the entire specification, claims, and drawingsincluded herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the embodiments may be better understood, embodiments ofthe jig assembly and methods will now be described by way of examples.These embodiments are not to limit the scope of the claims as otherembodiments of the jig assembly and methods will become apparent to onehaving ordinary skill in the art upon reading the instant description.Non-limiting examples of the present embodiments are shown in figureswherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a jigassembly;

FIG. 2 is an end view of a jaw assembly in an open position with a pipesection therein in an oblong orientation;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the jaw assembly of FIG. 2 in a closed positionwith a pipe section in a rounded orientation;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the jig assembly in a first extendedposition;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the jig assembly in a second retractedposition;

FIG. 6 is a first exemplary step of a method of using the jig assembly;

FIG. 7 is a second exemplary step of a method of using the jig assembly;

FIG. 8 is a third exemplary step of a method of using the jig assembly;

FIG. 9 is a fourth exemplary step of a method of using the jig assembly;

FIG. 10 is an alternative method of the step depicted in FIG. 9

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a portion of the jig assembly includinga coupling positioned on one of the pipe sections; and,

FIGS. 12-14 depict an alternative method sequence for joining pipesegments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that the assembly and method of coupling pipesis not limited in its application to the details of construction and thearrangement of components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The embodiments are capable of otherfeatures and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology usedherein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” andvariations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listedthereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Referring now in detail to the figures, wherein like numerals indicatelike elements throughout several views, there are shown in FIGS. 1through 14 various embodiments of a jig assembly and method of couplingpipes. The jig assembly includes first and second jaw assemblies whichare, according to one embodiment, not frame mounted and therefore, allowfor easier positioning within a hole where a break in piping hasoccurred. The jig assembly allows for grasping of a first pipe and asecond pipe for re-rounding. The jaw assembly also allows forpositioning of the first and second pipes and positioning of a couplingsegment on either or both of the first and second pipes for subsequentwelding.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an isometric view of a jig assembly 10 isdepicted. The jig assembly 10 includes a first jaw assembly 12, a secondjaw assembly 14 and at least one linear actuator 16, 18 to move thefirst and second jaw assemblies 12, 14 closer or further from oneanother. According to the instant embodiment, the jig assembly 10includes a first linear actuator 16 and a second linear actuator 18spaced apart about 180° from one another. Although two actuators areshown, embodiments are considered which may include a single actuator ormore than two actuators.

The first jaw assembly 12 is openable and closable to engage ordisengage a pipe 80 (FIG. 2). The first jaw assembly 12 is formed of afirst arm 20 and a second arm 22. The first and second arms 20, 22 aregenerally semi-circular in shape and are connected by a pivot 24. Thearms 20, 22 are semicircular and formed of a first segment 26 and aparallel second segment 28. The arms 20, 22 may have a constantcurvature corresponding to a specific diameter piping or may have acurvature which varies allowing usage of the jaw assemblies 12, 14 withvarious diameter pipe size. As a further alternative, a master jig sizemay be formed and inserts may be used to allow usage of the jawassemblies 12, 14 with various pipe sizes. Each of the segments 26, 28has an outwardly facing surface 30 which is substantially flat. Thesesurfaces 30 allow for engagement of a coupling segment as will bedescribed further herein. While these surfaces 30 are flat, they mayhave some friction enhancing aid such as knurling or the like.

The inner edge of each arm 20, 22 forms a generally circular shape tograsp the outside surface of a pipe segment 80 (FIG. 2). Additionally,the inner edge of each arm 20, 22 may be used to engage or graspcoupling and move such coupling on to or along an outer surface of apiping segment 80.

Each of the arcuate segments 26, 28 are separated by at least one spacer32. The at least one spacer 32 creates a space 34 between the segments26, 28 further allowing for positioning of a linkage 38, 40. Accordingto the instant embodiment, each linkage 38, 40 has a head 42 disposedbetween segments 26, 28. The head 42 has a length which is the same asthe spacer 32. Alternatively, the spacer 32 may be of a different sizewhere the segments 26, 28 are bent or other structure is used toaccommodate for such change in size of the head 42. The linkage 38extends from the head 40 to a second end 44.

Extending between the upper and lower linkages of each jaw assembly 12,14 is a jaw actuator 50. The jaw actuators 50 may also be referred to astangential actuators which move linearly as these move the arms 20, 22and vary the circumference of the jaw assemblies 12, 14. The jawactuators 50 move in a generally tangential direction. This movementopens and closes the first and second arms 20, 22 which move about pivot24 in order to grasp or release a piping segment 80. Additionally, suchclosing may cause rounding of the pipe segment 80 as described further.

The jaw actuators 50 may be in the form of hydraulic actuators.According to such embodiment, the hydraulic fluid may be pumped by handor by an automated pump in order to cause extension or retraction of apiston rod. When the actuator 50 extends, the first and second arms 20,22 move away from one another about the pivot 24. When the actuator 50retracts, the first and second arms 20, 22 move toward one another todecrease circumference of the jaw assemblies 12, 14. The hydraulicsystem may have a circuit that includes a manual hand pump or anautomated pump 29. Alternatively, an electric actuator may be utilized.An actuator of this type may have a rotating motor which drives thepiston rod in two directions to extend or retract. The motor may rotateabout the axis of the actuator 50 or may be turned to rotate about anaxis which is perpendicular to the actuator 50. As a furtheralternative, the jaw actuator may comprise a manually operable clampingmechanism which, for example, may be rotated manually to open or closethe jaw assemblies 12, 14. In one exemplary embodiment, for example,such embodiment may include a threaded eyebolt, with clamp knob, such asa hex shaped clamp knob, and a thrust bearing to accommodate manualoperation. However, various devices may be utilized as the manuallyoperable jaw actuator.

The actuators 50 each may include clevis structures 54, 56 which areconnected to the linkages 38, 40. Various fastening arrangements may beutilized. Further, it may be desirable to utilize a connector whichallows pivoting motion about at least one axis and further provides easyconnect and disconnect functionality. When the actuators 50 are closed,the jaw assemblies 12, 14 are in the circular form to grasp and hold thepipe segment 80 in a round cross-sectional shape.

The first and second jaw assemblies 12, 14 are movable toward or furtherfrom one another by way of the linear actuators 16, 18. The actuators16, 18 are connected to eyelets 60, 62 extending from the first arm 20and second arm 22. Each of the eyelets 60, 62 includes a neck 64 and ahead having an opening (not shown). The neck 64 may be formed of a flatbar stock material wherein the surface of the material lies in a planeextending an axial direction. A hole is cut into the neck 64 material todefine a location wherein a clevis of the linear actuators 16, 18 may bepositioned and connected by a pin, fastener or the like.

As with the jaw actuators 50, the linear actuators 16, 18 may takevarious forms. For example, the depicted actuators 16, 18 are hydraulicin nature and have a cylinder 17 and piston 19 to cause extension andretraction. However, alternate types of actuators may be utilized suchas air powered or electric actuators. Additionally, further linearactuators are contemplated which may include manual actuators such asratchet straps, chain and binders, come-alongs, threaded rod andcorresponding threaded female receivers or the like. These may be usedin a single direction or in two directions. According to the instantembodiment, the actuators 16, 18 are spaced apart about 180°. Otherembodiments are contemplated where a single actuator is utilized, oralternatively more than two actuators, to move the first jaw assembly 12and the second jaw assembly 14 relative to one another in axialdirections.

The jig assembly 10 may further comprise a fluid powered circuit. Thismay be hydraulic or air powered, for example. Further, the fluid poweredcircuit may be operated by pumps 29 which may be hand pumps or automatedpumps to actuate.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an end view of the jig assembly 10 is depicted.The jaw actuator 50 is positioned in an extended orientation so that thefirst arm 20 and the second arm 22 are spread apart from a normalgrasping position. In this position, the jaw assembly 12 can receive apipe segment 80. The actuator 50 may be disconnected at the piston endto easily position the pipe segment 80 therein or alternatively theactuator 50 may be extended and the jaw assembly 12 positioned over anend of the pipe segment 80.

The pipe segment 80 is depicted as oblong or ob-round shaped. Thismis-shaping occurs generally after a pipe segment is manufactured orafter some time in service and may be due to the high weight of therelatively larger size piping, or alternatively due to the weight offill material on the top of the pipe segment 80 or combination. Thisoblong shaping may increase as pipe diameters increase. The oblong shapeis generally horizontal however, the oblong shape may be vertical asdepicted in broken line or further may be at other angles. The pipesegment 80 is held in position along the outer surface of the pipesegment 80 at inner edges 23 of arms 20, 22.

The circumferential actuator 50 is extended to increase interiordiameter of the jaw assemblies 12, 14 to allow positioning of the pipesegment 80 between the arms 20, 22. As depicted, the arms 20, 22 contactthe pipe segment 80 in two locations, one near pivot 24 and a secondpoint at opposite ends of the arms 20, 22. When the first and secondarms 20, 22 begin to close due to the retraction of the actuator 50, thecontact between radial inner edges 23, 25 and the outer surface of thepipe segment 80 will increase causing the pipe segment 80 to assume theshape of the inner edges 23, 25.

With reference now to FIG. 3, in addition to grasping and retaining thepipe segment 80 in a specific position, the first arm 20 and the secondarm 22 function to re-round the pipe segment 80 to a proper circularcross-section for joining to a second pipe segment. As shown, theactuator 50 is retracted closing the arms 20, 22. As the arms 20, 22close, the inner edges 23, 25 (FIG. 2) of the arms 20, 22 engage thepipe segment 80 outer surface. The pipe segment 80, due to the flexiblenature of the material, is forced to change cross-sectional shape fromthe oblong form of FIG. 2, to the round cross-section shown in FIG. 3.Thus, the jaw assemblies 12, 14 may also be referred to as re-rounders.

Once the pipe segment 80 is re-rounded, the linear actuators 16, 18 maybe moved to the pipe segment 80. Alternatively, depending on theorientation of the actuators 16, 18, the pipe segment 80 may remainstationary in axial directions and an adjacent pipe segment 80 may becaused to move. According to the depicted view, the axial direction ismovement either into the page or out of the page.

With reference now to FIG. 4, an isometric view of the jig assembly 10is shown. The view shows linear actuators 16, 18 oriented so that thecylinder portion 17 of the actuators are engaging the second jawassembly 14. In this orientation, the second jaw assembly 14 may befixed relative to a pipe segment (not shown) and the first jaw assembly12 may move in an axial direction. The first jaw assembly 12 may causemovement of another pipe segment or alternatively, may be used to move acoupling which is positioned on either pipe segment associated with thejaw assemblies 12, 14.

In the depicted view, the linear actuators 16, 18 include the cylinderportions 17 and piston portions 19. The cylinder 17 is mounted at thestationary end of the jig assembly 10 and the piston portion 19 isconnected to the moving end of the jig assembly 10. The piston portions19 depicted are moving away from the cylinder end 17 to an extendedposition. The actuators 16, 18 are easily connectable and disconnectableto change orientation of the actuators 16, 18 and move either of the jawassemblies 12, 14 relative to the other.

Additionally, the jaw assemblies 12, 14 are shown having two segments26, 28 forming each arm 20, 22. While two segments are shown, it iswithin the scope of the instant embodiments that a single solid segmentbe utilized. However, the presently depicted embodiment reduces weightas compared to solid arms while still providing the requisite strengthand rigidity needed for pipe joining operations. The weight savingsallows for easier handling of the jaw assemblies 12, 14 when positioningwithin a hole, for example following a line breakage and during a repairprocess. As shown at the top of the jaw assemblies 12, 14, liftingeyelets 27 may be utilized to aid handling and maneuvering of the jawassemblies 12, 14 either with or without piping segments therein. Thelifting eyelets 27 may be used in combination with a crane or otherhoisting structure for lifting and moving if necessary.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an isometric view of the jaw assemblies 12, 14is again shown. In this embodiment, the actuators 16, 18 are shownretracted. Specifically, the cylinder portions 17 remain oriented towardthe second jaw assembly 14 and the piston portions 19 are retractedwithin the cylinders pulling the first jaw assembly 12 closer to thesecond jaw assembly 14. The cylinder portion 17 is generally stationaryand the piston portion 19 is generally moveable to move or maintainposition of associated jaw assemblies 12, 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-10, a sequence of views is depicted for movinga first pipe segment 80 relative to a second pipe segment 86 prior tojoining the pipe segments. The first jaw assembly 12 is shown connectedto a first pipe segment 80. The pipe segment 80 includes a first end 82which is open. The open end 82 may be present due to a break in a lineor the pipe segment 80 may be for new construction where two pipesegments need to be joined. A second pipe segment 86 is spaced from thefirst pipe segment 80. The second pipe segment 86 includes an open end88 corresponding to the opening 82 where the two pipe segments 80, 86are to be joined. The second pipe segment 86 is grasped or retained bythe second jaw assembly 14. In the view depicted, the circumferentialactuators 50 are on the backside of the pipe segments 80, 86.Accordingly, these are not shown.

Extending from the first jaw assembly 12 are the linear actuators 16,18. The actuators 16, 18 are arranged such that they extend from thefirst jaw assembly 12 to a backstop 90 in order to move the backstop.The backstop 90 may take various forms. For example, the structure maybe a rectangular cross-section bar or a circular cross-section tube.Alternatively, the backstop 90 may be circular in shape with projectionswhich may engage the pistons 19. Various shapes and structures may beutilized which are equal to or greater than the diameter of the coupling84. With the backstop 90 sized greater than the diameter of the coupling84, the backstop 90 will extend across the entirety of the coupling 84touching the coupling 84 at two locations and allowing the actuators 16,18 to engage the backstop 90. The instant embodiment of the backstop 90includes a middle portion 92 which extends between a first end 93 and asecond end 94. According to the instant embodiment, the backstop 90includes first and second holes through which a clevis 75 may beconnected. However, alternate embodiments may be utilized.

The actuators 16, 18 have the cylinder portion 17 connected to the firstjaw assembly 12. The pistons 19 extend from the cylinder 17 and areconnected by the clevis 75 to the backstop 90. The open ends 82, 88 ofthe pipe segments 80, 86 may be cleaned or trimmed to remove oxidationor scale from the outer surface.

In the instant embodiment, the jaw assembly 12 is clamped to the outersurface of the first pipe segment 80. The assembly 12 allows forpositioning of the structure within a hole where the pipe is located oralternatively, for use during construction above ground. The jigassembly 10 is not frame mounted but instead is supported during use bythe pipe(s) being coupled. Thus, the jig assembly 10 is notself-supporting. The coupling 84 is disposed at or near an open end 82of the pipe segment 80 and captured by the backstop 90. The coupling 84is circular in cross-section having an inner diameter that is sized toappropriately fit over the outer diameter of the first pipe segment 80and second pipe segment 86.

The cylinders 17 are positioned closest to the first jaw assembly 12 andthe pistons 19 are extended. The coupling 84 is positioned against thebackstop 90 and ready for retraction of the actuators 16, 18.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a side view of a step following the sequence ofFIG. 6 is depicted. With the first jaw assembly 12 affixed to the firstpipe segment 80, and the pistons 19 are retracted in a first movecausing the backstop 90 to pull toward the end 82 (FIG. 6) of pipesegment 80. As this first move retraction occurs, the coupling 84 beginsto slide over the outer surface of pipe segment 80. The coupling 84 hasa first end 83 and a second end 85. The first end 83 is shown slidingover the pipe end 82 (FIG. 6). The coupling 84 is retracted by way ofthe backstop 90 until the backstop 90 engages the pipe end 82. In thisposition, the coupling second end 85 is also flush with the pipe end 82.One skilled in the art will understand that the length of coupling 84 inthe axial direction should be less than the travel distance of thepiston 19 so that the coupling 84 may be fully retracted onto the firstpipe segment 80. However, in another embodiment, the first pipe segment80 may be marked so that the coupling 84 is not pulled completely flushagainst the end of the segment 80. Instead, the coupling 84 may overhangthe first pipe segment 80 a preselected distance so that second pipesegment 86 may be positioned into the coupling. Additionally, dependingon orientation of the linear actuators 16, 18, the first move mayalternatively be a push movement.

Also shown in FIG. 7, the second jaw assembly 14 is positioned on thesecond pipe 86. In this step, the second jaw assembly 14 is ready foroperation but may not be utilized.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a third step is shown. In this embodiment, thesecond jaw assembly 14 is clamped to the pipe segment 86. The linearactuators 16, 18 have been reversed so that the cylinder portions 17 areconnected to the second jaw assembly 14. The first jaw assembly 12 isloosened on the first pipe segment 80. The pistons 19 are extended sothat the first jaw assembly 12 is engaging the first end 83 of thecoupling 84 for moving the coupling 84 over the seam between pipes 80,86.

When the jaw assembly 12 is loosened, the pistons 19 may be retractedmoving toward the right side of the figure. The jaw assembly 12 engagescoupling 84 and causes movement of the coupling 84 to the right, in thedepicted embodiment. Alternatively, a spacer or other similar structuremay be located between the first jaw assembly 12 and the coupling 84.Alternatively, a backstop structure may be connected to the pistons 19so that retraction of the pistons 19 causes movement of the coupling 84.However, such backstop structure would need to be varied to accommodatefor, or surround, the first pipe segment 80 while still engaging thecoupling 84. Various shapes could be utilized including, but not limitedto, square or circular in order to use a backstop in such an alternativemanner.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the coupling 84 is moved from its position inFIG. 8 and is generally covering the first end 82 of pipe segment 80 inthe first end 88 of pipe segment 86. In this position, the jaw assembly12 is fully retracted. Alternatively, the backstop 90 is moved to aposition causing the coupling 84 to be generally centered at theabutting ends 82, 88 of the pipe segments 80, 86. Accordingly, thecoupling 84 is disposed over the seam between segments 80, 86 and thecoupling 84 may be welded to the first and second pipe segments 80, 86.

It is also contemplated that the coupling 84 may be positioned over anedge of one pipe segment and the jig assembly 10 may be used to move thesecond pipe segment into the open end of the coupling.

Referring to FIG. 10, a further alternative method step is providedwhich differs from the step depicted in FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, the coupling84 is moved from its position in FIG. 8 to its final position, which isgenerally centered over both of the pipe segments 80, 86. In thisembodiment, however, the second jaw assembly 14 is initially positionedat a final resting position for the coupling 84. Then the first jawassembly 12 is fully retracted so that when the coupling move iscomplete, the coupling 84 is disposed against both the first jawassembly 12 and the second jaw assembly 14. Thus, by comparison withFIG. 9 where the second jaw assembly 14 may be spaced away from thecoupling 84 when the coupling is in its final position, the embodimentof FIG. 10 provides that the second jaw assembly 14 may be positionedagainst the coupling 84 when the coupling 84 is in its final or homeposition. In the first embodiment of FIG. 9, it may be desirable to marka stopping point on the pipe segment 86 prior to moving the coupling 84.Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, rather than marking thepipe segment 86, the second jaw assembly 14 need only be placed at thestopping position so that the coupling 84 abuts the second jaw assembly14 in the final position. It should be understood that the length of theactuators 16, 18 may need to accommodate a design and method where jawassemblies 12, 14 are abutting the coupling 84 in the finished or homeposition. For example, the actuators 16, 18 in FIG. 10 are shorter thanin FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an isometric view of the jig assembly 10 isshown. The coupling 84 is positioned over one of the exemplary pipesegments 80, 86. The coupling 84 includes at least two leads 89 disposednear axial ends of the coupling. The exemplary embodiment includes fourleads, for example. The leads 89 are connected to wires which wrap aboutthe coupling 84 within the coupling material and, when connected to avoltage source of desired current, will weld the pipe segments 80, 86and the coupling 84 together.

Referring now to FIG. 12 an alternate method of using the jig assembly10 is depicted. In the alternate method, the jaw assembly 12 is locatedon a first pipe segment 180 and the jaw assembly 14 is located on asecond pipe segment 184. According to the instant embodiment, thecoupling structure is not utilized. Instead, the pipe segments 180, 184are joined by integrally formed connecting structures 190, 192. Forexample in one embodiment, the pipe segments 180, 184 may have a maleengagement structure 190 and a female engagement structure 192 whichengage one another when the segments are pulled together. The male andfemale structures 190, 192 provide a locking engagement but mayalternatively be a non-permanent locking engagement. Additionally, thestructures 190, 192 may include a sealing feature or may have aseparate, independent sealing feature. The jig assembly 10 is shownfurther comprising at least one of linear actuator 16, 18 in theembodiment depicted. The actuators 16, 18 extend between the jawassemblies 12, 14 and allow for movement of the jaw assemblies 12, 14 inthe axial direction of the pipe segments 180, 184. By connection of thejaw assemblies 12, 14 to segments 180, 184 respectively, the pipesegments 180, 184 may also be moved by the jig assembly 10.

With reference now to FIG. 13, the segments 180, 184 are shown pulledcloser together by the jig assembly 10. In this figure, the actuators16, 18 are contracted thereby pulling the jaw assemblies 12, 14 closertogether. As a result, the male and female connectors 190, 192 arecloser to engagement by comparison to FIG. 12.

With reference now to FIG. 14, the pipe segments 180, 184 are positionedtogether and the connectors 190, 192 are shown (internally) due to theengagement. The linear actuators 16, 18 have fully connected theengagement structures 190, 192 and the pipe segments 180, 184 areabutting one another. With this type of pipe segment, the structure isfully connected and sealed. Additionally, other embodiments of pipingmay be utilized such as butt-welded pipe wherein the jig assembly may beutilized to pull the segments together for the butt-welding process.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the invent of embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase“and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, shouldbe understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined,i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases anddisjunctively present in other cases.

Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the samefashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Otherelements may optionally be present other than the elements specificallyidentified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to thoseelements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, areference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-endedlanguage such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only(optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, toB only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet anotherembodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when usedin the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactlyone element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or”as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims,shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one stepor act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarilylimited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method arerecited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

The foregoing description of several methods and an embodiment of theinvention has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise stepsand/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variationsare possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that thescope of the invention and all equivalents be defined by the claimsappended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of coupling pipes, comprising:connecting a first re-rounder to a first pipe; connecting at least onelinear actuator to said first re-rounder, said at least one actuatorbeing movable in a first direction which is transverse to said firstre-rounder; connecting a second end of said at least one linear actuatorto a backstop, said backstop being movable with said at least one linearactuator; performing a first moving step comprising moving a coupling onto said first pipe with said backstop and said at least one linearactuator; connecting a second re-rounder to a second pipe; looseningsaid first re-rounder; performing a second moving step comprising movingof said linear actuator to move said first re-rounder to engage saidcoupling and further move said coupling into engagement with said firstand second pipes; and, fusion welding said coupling to said first andsecond pipes.
 2. The method of claim 1, said first moving step being apull.
 3. The method of claim 1, said first moving step being a push. 4.The method of claim 1, said second moving step being moving of saidfirst pipe and said coupling.
 5. The method of claim 1, said secondmoving step being moving of said first pipe.
 6. The method of claim 1,said second moving step being moving of said coupling.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising connecting electrodes to said coupling forsaid fusion welding.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprisingreversing orientation of said at least one linear actuator to connect tosaid second re-rounder before said second moving step.
 9. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising stopping said coupling against said secondre-rounder.
 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising engaging saidcoupling with both of said re-rounders.
 11. A method of joining piping,comprising: applying a first jaw assembly to a first pipe segment;applying a second jaw assembly to a second pipe segment; connecting afirst end of a linear actuator to one of said first jaw assembly andsaid second jaw assembly; connecting a second end of said linearactuator to the other of said first jaw assembly and said second jawassembly; actuating said linear actuator to move one of said pipesegments and a coupling; loosening one of said first or second jawassemblies; positioning the coupling over adjacent ends of said firstand second pipe segments by movement of said loosened one of said firstand second jaw assemblies.
 12. The method of claim 11, said positioningincluding movement of said coupling.
 13. The method of claim 12, saidpositioning including moving one of said pipe segments into saidcoupling.
 14. The method of claim 11, said positioning includingmovement of at least one of said first and second pipe segments.
 15. Themethod of claim 11 further comprising reversing orientation of saidlinear actuator before said positioning of the coupling by movement ofsaid first jaw assembly.